Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Integrity (04/11/24)
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TITLE: Staying Pious and Devout | Previous Challenge Entry
By Peace Nwafor
04/17/24 -
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Jesus in the book of Matthew 23 said to his followers to listen to the Pharisees but never do what they do (paraphrased). This tells me that sitting in Moses’ seat, the Pharisees very well understood the law and the prophets. However, their life fell short of what they taught and professed. Little wonder Jesus called them the ‘brood of vipers’. When we do as we say, we are known to be men of integrity. Of course, not every statement or word gets actioned with the bans of integrity adorned around it.
It is only when we have done things of high moral values, and live honestly that we can beat our chest and say we are people of integrity. As Christians, our Lord Jesus has called us to live a life of integrity, just as he lived. He is our example in every way. In today’s world, we are persecuted to live like the rest of the world rather than standing up for what we believe in. It is not unsurprising, as in John 16:33, we are told to expect all manner of tribulation from the world knowing that our Lord Jesus has overcome it (paraphrased). So, with cheery hearts, we go through hardships, and crushing conditions because we have been enlisted in the army of the Lord.
Living a life of integrity is not easy, but with the Holy Spirit's help, it is doable. Like Daniel, it is only our resolve and determination that keep us. Daniel was a young Jewish youth taken into captivity in Babylon. He had all the excuses to eat meat like every other youth. That’s the culture of the people. Besides, he could die for disobeying the king’s order. However, Daniel’s love for Christ and strong determination not to defile himself made him seek an alternative. As if that was not enough, a decree was passed against Daniel’s faith. He must not worship any other being except the golden image. Daniel could have chosen to close his windows and pray in the secret. He could have chosen to bow when others were looking and go into his closet and ask God for forgiveness and worship Him, but he chose to stand by His belief that only God should be worshipped. Despite the danger of being thrown into the lion’s den, he remained resolute. What a man of honour. A man of integrity.
Another scriptural example is Joseph. As a teenager, he found his brothers doing wrong. Rather than cover it up, he reported to their father, Jacob. This elicited anger and hatred from his brothers, even to the point of being sold into slavery. Finally, he found himself in Potiphar’s house, a place of comfort much closer to his dreams. Yet, he chose to wander homeless and even incarcerated because of his integrity, and his resolve to keep God’s word. He could have easily slept with Potiphar’s wife without the king suspecting. He trusted him so much. His integrity was not premised upon external factors and influences, it was solely dependent on internal strength.
To live a life of integrity, one must be determined, courageous and never reliant on external influences. We will truly live well when we go against all odds to keep the word of God, including danger and death. We are inexcusable!
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